Another creator is leaving allegedly due to the Games Workshop Content Creator Program strict rules on influencers.
Games Workshop has done it again—another content creator just got the boot from their Influencer Program. This time, it’s Trovarion Miniatures, a creator with over 400 videos showcasing Warhammer models, techniques, and honest opinions. He praised what deserved it, called out what didn’t, and now he’s out.
If this sounds familiar, that’s because it keeps happening. The Games Workshop (GW) Content Creator program promises early access and insider perks, but the fine print tells a different story. The rules are strict, the leash is short, and the moment a creator steps out of line, they’re gone (or are they?)
So what’s the real issue? It all comes down to control. Content creators sometimes get free models (and codexes), but GW gets their silence in return. Speak too openly, even with fair criticism, and you can risk losing everything.
The Games Workshop Content Creator Program
Being a content creator in the Warhammer community seems like a pretty sweet gig. You paint minis, talk about the hobby, and maybe—just maybe—get some recognition from GW itself. If you play your cards right, you might even land a spot in the official Games Workshop Content Creator program program. Sounds great, right? Free models, early access, and that extra bit of prestige.
But there’s a catch—a pretty big one. And creators are starting to feel the weight of it. What is the latest name on the chopping block? Trovarion Miniatures. His exit tells us a lot about how GW handles those who they may deem have stepped out of line.
What Happened with Trovarion Miniatures?
Trovarion Miniatures wasn’t just some guy who painted a few figures and called it a day. He built a reputation with more than 400 videos covering Warhammer, sharing honest opinions on everything from sculpt quality to pricing. Sometimes, he praised GW’s work; sometimes, he called out what wasn’t great.
And now he’s out.
While there’s no official statement from GW explaining the decision (but he explains it all pretty thoroughly in the video above), it’s not hard to connect the dots. A few of his recent videos touched on topics GW might not have been thrilled about (maybe covering some other companies).
If history tells us anything, they don’t take kindly to criticism, no matter how fair or well-intended. Luckily, he did mention the Army Painter, and they were one of the first companies to reach out and talk with him about the issues and potentially help his channel going foward.
What’s the Deal with the GW NDA?
GW’s content creator program isn’t just about getting free miniatures a little early. There’s a contract involved, and it’s packed with rules designed to keep creators on a very short leash which you can see in the previous version that cause so much drama a few years back.
A few standout points that we noticed:
- No negative reviews. If you say something bad about a product, they can claim a breach of contract.
- No earning money outside of GW’s rules. Running a Patreon? Monetizing your videos? If you’re not careful, you could be violating their agreement.
- No working with “Restricted Customers.” This term sounds vague, but it basically includes anyone GW may not like…
- No collaborating with the wrong people. Want to work with another creator or even a tournament organizer? That could also be an issue under the contract’s restrictions.
The agreement locks creators in for three years and gives GW the power to enforce it however they see fit. And they doit seems when it suits them…
Other Creators Who Got Burned
Trovarion isn’t the first to run into problems with GW. Two big names—Midwinter Minis and Miniac—have also had their share of trouble.
Midwinter Minis signed an NDA to get early access to products, expecting some insider knowledge. Turns out, all he got was a rushed deadline and some minis he didn’t need. He had about 48 hours to paint, film, and edit before pre-orders went live. After a year of this, with little to show for it, he walked away.
Miniac’s story is even rougher. GW flew him to London to paint a Lion El’Jonson model for a big showcase. Then, after he posted an image of an unreleased product—thinking it was already public—GW not only kicked him out of Warhammer World but also threatened legal action. His work never even made it into the event.
The True Cost of Joining the Club
On paper, the GW program seems like an opportunity. Free models, early access, and a bit of prestige. But when you break it down, the trade-offs are steep.
- You lose control over your content. Honest reviews? Those could get you kicked out.
- Monetization becomes a minefield. You potentially can’t just run your YouTube or Patreon however you like.
- Your ability to collaborate shrinks. Work with the wrong person, and you’re out.
- The stress piles on. Two-day turnaround times to paint and film a showcase piece? Not exactly ideal.
And if you violate the NDA? GW can take legal action—in England. If you’re based elsewhere, that’s a nightmare waiting to happen.
Is It Worth It?
For some creators, early access and recognition might seem worth the trouble. But the reality is, GW benefits far more than the people signing up. The NDA ensures they get free marketing, carefully curated content, and a steady stream of positive coverage—because anything less may lead to removal from the program.
Meanwhile, creators get a handful of models, unreasonable deadlines, and a contract that restricts their ability to earn money, work with others, or speak honestly. If GW truly supported creators, they wouldn’t need these kinds of restrictions.
The Bottom Line
Games Workshop is a powerhouse in the tabletop scene, but their relationship with creators has always been shaky. The content creator program looks appealing at first, but it’s less of a partnership and more of a control mechanism.
Trovarion Miniatures is just the latest example of what happens when a creator steps even slightly outside GW’s comfort zone. Midwinter Minis and Miniac have their own stories, and there’s no doubt more creators will run into the same issues down the line.
If you’re a creator thinking about signing up, ask yourself this: Is getting a few miniatures early worth giving up creative control and risking legal trouble? Because once you’re in, you’re playing by their rules. And they aren’t known for being flexible.
See The Games Workshop NDA Leak Here
What do you think about the Games Workshop Content Creator program and NDA?
Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
